If a tree falls in the forest and no one posts it on Instagram, did it really happen?

Are we so absorbed in capturing our lives to share on social media that we are essentially disconnecting ourselves from the actual moments of our lives?

“I Forgot My Phone” is a 2-minute film by Charlene deGuzman that poignantly demonstrates the growing disconnect between reality as it happens and our digital network. It’s a chilling reminder that life happens in the now, and you can’t judge the quality of a moment by how many shares or likes it gets after the fact.

The video is going rampant on social circles (need we point out the irony here?) and has been covered by NPR and Digiday among others. The social implications of smartphones and constant connection are still unfolding; I’m not here to preach whether it’s for good or evil. Still, for me it’s time to take a break and go have a conversation. Perhaps even a hug. And a cup of coffee. I hope you don’t mind if I don’t share them with the world.